Relax it's "Just a video game"

I always find this as an interesting topic and phrase that comes up pretty often in matches or even discussion regarding this game.

First before we get started this post isn't directed towards those who Snap, Rage, Lose their mind during a match and spit acid in word form at their teammates. Those people need to take a step back and really take the time to understand and appreciate what this community is all about.

Now let's break down the definitions of a sports "Game" vs. a "Video Game"

Sports Game. A game usually played with a group of members where two (if not more) opposing teams(team members) attempt to beat or out play their opponent using physical ability, agility, skill, and stamina.

Examples: Football, Rugby, Baseball, Soccer, Water polo, Tennis, Golf etc...

Usually there is an objective meant to be captured or scored by the teams. (A ball leading to points, touchdowns, goals) These games require a level of physical skill in order to compete and accomplish desired results.

Now a general definition of a "Video Game"

A game usually played with a group of members where two (if not more) opposing team(team members attempt to beat or out play their opponent using knowledge, in game mechanics, skill, fast reactions (physical agility), and stamina to outplay or beat their opponent.

Huh this seem pretty similar, But Hey wait Morgana Senpai sports games are way more physically demanding than sitting down and playing video games.

You sir or madam are for the most part correct!, I cannot say that sitting and playing an intense LCS match would be equivilent in physical ability to running 100 yards and getting tackled by a 250lb pure muscle linebaker (although during some losses it may feel that way)...however

Where do we draw a line on how physically demanding/ demanding in general they are/ can be?

Sure comparing NFL players to Cloud 9 in a physcial aspect is an obvious landslide in direction of the NFL members that probably can squat the combined weight of some of LCS favorite teams.

Let's look at some interesting training facts though.

The average NFL football player practices between 2-6 hours a day. (during season, 5-6 days a week)

Where as LCS teams on average practice 12-18 hours a Day (6-7 days a week). Doubling if not tripling the average numbers of professional sports athletes. This is so demanding on the players that it led to Hai from Cloud 9 (my favorite team) having his lung collapse during dinner with his friends. That isn't a joke of an injury, caused by intense bodily stress brought on my extended periods of play and practice Pretty surprising fact.

Most people are quick to say its more demanding on you being a Professional athlete, whereas if we break it down it really turns toward our LCS stars having the more challenging scedule.

I challenge you to play 18 hours straight. see what happens ( don't push yourself if you dont feel good or anything, obvious health is more important) I've dont this before, it's rough. Now imagine doing that every day for a year...Looks rather terrifying and a mountain of a task. And even with all that playing and practice, you have no guarentee of making a team, joining the LCS etc...

Speaking of teams, let's look at some comparisons.

Professional Sports have professional trainers, coaches, staff, and extreme training schedules. Even Stadiums for them!

LCS teams also have professional trainers, coaches, staff, and extreme training schedules. maybe not stadiums for each team ( go go gaming houses!, but they often Venue at stadiums with massive turnouts.

How massive you may ask, The final at the World Championships at Seoul Korea had more attendees and viewers than any NFL or NBA regular season game. That's a massive amount of people. And it's only growing

Both teams, are paid, sponsored, and considered "Professional Athletes"

Before you say Woah Woah Woah... League of legends top teams aren't Professional athletes, what are you talking about. You should know that the respective Governments of our cherished LCS teams considers them "Professional Athletes" and allows them to secure Visas to travel to other countries for this purpose.

How many professional sports teams do you know travel to other countries to compete to be the best? Few sports, and even fewer players.

Anyway slightly getting off the point. Ok let's just agree that maybe the Top teams in the game can get around the "it's just a video game" brand and be considered something more.

But hey if you aren't in the LCS then your just playing a video game and shouldn't take it so seriously.

Well maybe yes maybe no.

What unique aspect of this game seperates it from others. (Normals vs. Ranked/ opportunity for anyone to have the chance to rise to challenger level)

(Ok ok but please Ranked doesn't make this any more than just a game.)

Well why not?

People playing in a competitive environment, a physically demanding environment to better their skills, in hops of reaching that new tier, maybe earning some views or sponsorship's. Even getting into the LCS.

People hone their skills knowledge, trial and error, in incredibly competitive environments where a single ward placement can decide games. Some people just play because it's a fun game, something they enjoy. However some players really work hard, try to improve every day, because to them League of Legends isn't just a game.

Because it isn't just a game.

League of legends is an opportunity to play something fun and unique and to improve on your skills, test it against people from all around the world and globe. To play against those from South America, to Korea, Europe and China! 27 million people play this game daily, whether to get a quick match in and grind to a new tier in ranked. This isn't just a game this is so much more

It's not just a game because the love people have for it, to watch the LCS matches, to get excited, to yell and cheer, to review those events and learn from the best. To work hard and climb the ladders everyday maybe not to be in the LCS but to get that Gold rank, that Diamond banner. Maybe even say Im in challenger, So that they can say I am considered the top player in my respective.

It's as much a game if not more so than Baseball, Football, Soccer, because people view the ability to play those sports in a limited time frame, highschool, college, maybe professional. Whereas anyone any age or experience can play and be apart of this community. Whether or not you're LCS, Sponsored, Diamond or above.

So no, League of legends isn't just a game, It's much more than that, and it will continue to be something more.

And if you really sit there and spit toxic phrases like: "Ha noob it's just a game." Then honestly I feel sorry for you, because either you cannot see, or cannot appreciate what this community is really about.

Morgana Senpai Noticed you :3

And Morgana Senpai is proud to be a member of this Community